Interview
Delphine Sellem
Delphine Sellem’s art reflects a journey shaped by a lifelong passion for nature, creativity, and exploration. Originally from France and now rooted in Miami, Florida, she draws inspiration from a life immersed in diverse landscapes and cultures, with each step of her path broadening her artistic vision. Self-taught and deeply dedicated to her craft, Delphine spent over a decade refining her technique while sharing her expertise as an art teacher. This experience not only introduced her to a range of artistic techniques but also helped her discover the underlying principles that give her work depth and resonance. Delphine’s latest collection, Nature’s Voyage, speaks directly to her profound connection with the natural world, a source of solace and inspiration in an era marked by complexity, uncertainty, and environmental challenges. Her works evoke the simplicity and serenity of nature, contrasted with the intricate beauty of its creatures. Through broad, layered stencils and vivid rollers, she creates immersive, organic landscapes that invite viewers to experience the raw essence of the outdoors.
In contrast, her hyper-realistic depictions of animals reveal nature’s often-overlooked details, emphasizing the delicate balance essential to all life. With these elements, Delphine invites viewers to consider the interconnectedness of all living things and the beauty found in simplicity as a guiding principle for life. Now fully embracing her identity as an emerging artist, Delphine’s transition from teaching to painting marks a pivotal chapter in her journey. Her work, shaped by the vibrant energy of Miami’s multicultural surroundings and inspired by the lush tropical landscapes, encourages her audiences to pause, reflect, and reconnect with the world around them. By sharing her appreciation of nature’s beauty and fragility, Delphine fosters a renewed respect for the environment, one that calls for preservation and invites a sense of wonder.
What is your background and how did you start your journey in the art world?
“Originally from France, my multicultural journey has significantly influenced my work throughout my career. Having lived in France, Barbados, Panama, and the United States, my art reflects the experiences and vibrant environments and communities that have shaped me. Before fully committing to practicing my art, I founded a settled community art school and taught middle school, earning recognition as a teacher, including the Skevy Rallis Award of Honor and Teacher of the Year honors. The natural shift from a career focused primarily on teaching to one dedicated to creating art was encouraged by my late partner, David Berkovits, whose unwavering support and belief in my abilities inspired me to deepen my commitment to my craft, my passion, and sharing my artistic vision with the world.
I am a lifelong, self-taught artist who has dedicated over a decade to refining my craft while also sharing my expertise as an art teacher. I have helped dozens of art students build their portfolios for acceptance to recognized art high schools and universities. In this role, I immersed myself in numerous artistic movements, meticulously studying their techniques, media, and principles to deepen my own understanding and expression. This extensive exploration of various artistic traditions has significantly enriched my creative journey, and my contact with the younger generation continues to be a source of inspiration for me. Originally, I graduated with a degree in finance and accountancy, with a minor in human resource management. I worked in various fields, including training programs for adults, event management, and communication. I was also involved in the education sector, serving on the school education board and even creating a French Lycée in Panama. My official art certification came only at 50, after years of teaching and practicing art, driven by my desire to share my passion and contribute to public school education. For me, teaching and creating art are two ways of giving back to the world, helping to cultivate a deeper sense of humanity in an often disconnected and fast-paced world. Art has the power to remind us that we are all part of something greater, and these practices are my way of contributing to that vision.”
What inspires you?
“When I’m not immersed in creating art, you can often find me continuing my teaching work, which holds a special place in my heart. For me, art isn’t just about self-expression - it’s a way to bring more humanity into this world, a way to connect with others on a deeper level. Teaching art allows me to share that vision with my students, guiding them to find their own voice and perspective while nurturing their creativity. The exchange with my students is truly inspiring; their curiosity and fresh insights remind me of the power of art to open hearts and minds. It's in these moments that I realize that teaching, much like creating, is an act of sharing and fostering connection. Outside the classroom, nature remains a constant source of grounding and inspiration for me. Whether it’s the vibrant energy of Miami’s tropical surroundings or the stillness I seek in quieter spaces, being outdoors recharges me and deepens my connection to the world around me. Nature has an ability to restore a sense of peace and wonder, and it’s in these moments that I reconnect with the essence of life and art.
To me, art is the deepest form of connection to what it means to be human. It’s my way of bridging the chaos of life and turning fleeting moments into something timeless. It’s also a fundamental human need - something that has always existed, intrinsic to our very being. Through each brushstroke, I tap into emotions and empathy, allowing me to express things that words often fail to capture. Art is more than creation; it’s memory, a thread that binds us, and a silent language that speaks directly to the soul. In my work, I keep the spirit of my late partner, David, alive, honoring him through the colors and shapes that flow from my heart. Art reminds us that we are part of a greater whole - an unspoken bond that connects us all, a reminder that we are never truly alone.”
What themes do you pursue? Is there an underlying message in your work?
“In a world marked by complexity, economic uncertainty, political absurdity, and environmental crisis, I find solace and inspiration in the simplicity of nature. Because I am deeply enamored with the raw beauty of the natural world, I strive to capture its essence and poetry, emphasizing its innate simplicity and profound tranquility. My Nature's Voyage collection is rooted in my love for outdoor exploration and I encapsulate a unique fusion of elemental simplicity found in natural landscapes with intricate depictions of insects and animals. I explore the duality of nature through contrasting techniques: broad, layered stencils and vibrant rollers convey the raw, unfiltered experience of being immersed in nature. Each layer pays homage to the organic elegance that surrounds us, gently reminding viewers that the beauty found in simple things is the guarantor of life and the future of our planet. In stark contrast, I meticulously render animals with hyper-realistic details, celebrating the intricate beauty and complexity of life. This juxtaposition serves as a powerful reminder of the delicate balance we often overlook in our modern existence, urging a deeper appreciation and reconnection with the natural world. Ultimately, I seek to share my profound connection with nature, inviting others to experience the serenity and wonder of the natural world through my art. My work aims to serve as a reminder to pause, breathe, and appreciate the simple yet extraordinary beauty that surrounds us.”
How would you describe your work?
“Nature’s Voyage Collection speaks directly to my profound connection with the natural world, a source of solace and inspiration in an era marked by complexity, uncertainty, and environmental challenges. My work evokes the simplicity and serenity of nature, contrasted with the intricate beauty of its creatures. Through broad, layered stencils and vivid rollers, I create immersive, organic landscapes that invite viewers to experience the raw essence of the outdoors. In contrast, the hyper-realistic depictions of animals reveal nature’s often-overlooked details, emphasizing the delicate balance essential to all life. Those elements are an invitation to viewers to consider the interconnectedness of all living things and the beauty found in simplicity as a guiding principle for life. My work, shaped by the vibrant energy of Miami’s multicultural surroundings and inspired by the lush tropical landscapes, encourages my audiences to pause, reflect, and reconnect with the world around them. By sharing my appreciation of nature’s beauty and fragility, i hope to foster a renewed respect for the environment, one that calls for preservation and invites a sense of wonder.”
Which artists influence you most?
“I draw inspiration from artists who are deeply committed to lifelong exploration and growth, constantly seeking new paths, techniques, and ideas. Artists such as Pablo Picasso, who was never afraid to challenge his own fame and constantly move through different periods, embody this philosophy of continuous transformation. His refusal to become complacent with success resonates with my own desire to never settle into a singular style but instead to push the boundaries of what art can be. Artists such as Jean Dubuffet, Robert Rauschenberg, and Frank Stella are also sources of inspiration for me. They all approached their art with an experimental mindset, constantly breaking from convention and embracing change in their methods and subject matter. Just as Gerhard Richter’s shift from photo-realism to abstract work highlights the importance of seeking new directions, no matter how far removed they might be from past success. Their relentless pursuit of artistic innovation, regardless of public recognition or fame, encourages me to continuously challenge myself, evolve, and explore uncharted creative territories. Like these artists, I strive to embrace artistic evolution throughout my career, never satisfied with the comfort of a single artistic identity. Their works remind me that art is not a destination but a journey - a path filled with constant experimentation, transformation, and the joy of discovery.”
“My work evokes the simplicity and serenity of nature, contrasted with the intricate beauty of its creatures. Through broad, layered stencils and vivid rollers, I create immersive, organic landscapes that invite viewers to experience the raw essence of the outdoors.”
What is your creative process like?
“The inspiration behind my creative process lies in the sense of serene simplicity that nature offers, which stands in stark contrast to the profound complexity that nature truly embodies. As an artist, my challenge is to capture this contradiction in my work, ensuring that every choice I make serves this purpose. To reflect the intricate process of nature’s creation, I developed a technique using layered stencils, where each layer - applied with rollers to blend and spread color - builds upon the last, forming the background. Each stencil is hand-drawn and meticulously cut, and while the process is lengthy and labor-intensive, it mirrors the slow, complex unfolding of nature itself. Yet, through this detailed work, my goal remains simple: to evoke the purest expression of nature’s simplicity. It is often the most intricate processes that yield the simplest results. The layered stencils add depth, light, and perspective to the composition.
In order to highlight both the serenity and underlying complexity of nature, I render animal life with meticulous realism. This acts as a testament to my profound admiration for the living world. The use of polyptych works reflects the way I engage with nature - my attention constantly shifts from one detail to another. This dynamic, spontaneous process is best expressed by dividing my artwork into segments, each capturing a unique element of my attention. For example, Lush Illumination is a quadriptych, divided into four pieces, each emphasizing a different facet of my observation.
The final touches bring poetry to my art, much like the poetry I find in nature itself. I add delicate elements like gold or silver leaf, or - particularly in Lush Illumination - acrylic paint that glows in the dark. The fireflies, for instance, glow softly once the lights are off, adding a magical element to the piece. The composition evolves step by step, with careful attention to balance, contrast, and movement, until the scene comes alive. Only then do I stop and sign my work, as I rarely revisit completed pieces.”
What is an artist’s role in society and how do you see that evolving?
“I believe that art is essential to the survival of humanity because it reveals the deepest, most human aspects within each of us. Through art, we connect with our shared experiences, emotions, and vulnerabilities, transcending time and place. It is in this connection that we find meaning, healing, and understanding, fostering empathy and resilience. Art not only reflects who we are but also shapes who we become, guiding us through challenges and helping us navigate the complexities of life. In this way, art is not just an expression - it is a necessity for our collective survival. In today’s world, the artist plays a crucial role in helping humanity navigate the complexities and challenges of modern life. In a time marked by rapid change, uncertainty, and disconnection, artists act as mirrors, reflecting both the beauty and struggles of our shared human experience. They are visionaries, offering new perspectives and encouraging us to question, reflect, and grow. Through their work, artists spark conversations, challenge societal norms, and invite us to explore our innermost emotions. In a society that often prioritizes the material, artists remind us of the intangible - our values, hopes, and collective humanity. Their creations are not only forms of expression but vital contributions to our survival, providing a sense of unity, purpose, and connection in an increasingly fragmented world.”
Have you had any noteworthy exhibitions you'd like to share?
“Last year, I exhibited my work in December 2024 at Aqua Art Miami. Recently, I exhbited my work in March 2025 at the International Women Celebration, a Female Art Night in Miami. This month, I will exhibit my work at the Art Expo in New York with the Redwood Art Group.”
Website: delphinesellem.art
Instagram: @del.fineart
